Hadrian chose Antoninus as his successor to be a stable bridge before Marcus Aurelius came of age. But Antoninus lived and reigned far longer than anyone expected. For the people of Rome, that was a good thing. His steadiness, his justice, and his fiscal aptitude ensured Italy and the provinces flourished. The Pax Romana reached its golden heights during the reign of Antoninus Pius.

Part 1: Pius (02:14)

Part 2: The Antonine Wall (11:37)

Part 3: Ripples on a Still Pond (16:05)

Part 4: Conservation (23:31)